Attacks on staff, Power infrastructure by uniformed men, unacceptable----- Power Minister
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has again condemned another attack, forceful abduction, intimidation, assault, brutalization of the staff and destruction of the facilities at the substation of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) in Badagry, Lagos State by personnel of the Nigerian Army.
The attack which took place on Friday, March 14, 2025, following a temporary power outage is happening less than a week after a similar assault on the staff and the infrastructure of the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) by the Nigerian Airforce.
Adelabu described the vandalism, destruction and forceful abduction of staff as not only unacceptable but also a direct threat to the stability of Nigeria’s power supply and the economic well-being of the country.
He called on the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu to intervene by calling security operatives to order adding that there are ways such issues could be handled without resorting to violence especially in a democratic setting.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister, Adelabu noted that electricity infrastructure is the backbone of the Nigerian economy and a critical enabler of development. “Attacks on these facilities and staff on duty undermine the efforts of the Federal Government to ensure stable and reliable power supply to homes, businesses, and public institutions.
The repeated targeting of power infrastructure and the personnel of distribution companies by uniformed personnel, who are expected to protect national assets, are deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about discipline and accountability within our armed forces”.
The statement further noted that the Nigerian Army was emboldened to attack EKEDC facilities and staff because of the silence of the Federal Government on the earlier invasion of Ikeja Electric by the Air Force. “The NSA has to wade into this matter in order to forestall further attacks”.
The Minister said the attack on EKEDC substation has resulted in significant damage, leading to power outages and disruptions in service to thousands of customers. “This comes at a time when the government is working tirelessly to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power sector. Such actions are counterproductive and sabotage the collective progress we are striving to achieve”.
He called on the Nigerian Army to immediately investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. “The Ministry of Power also urges the military high command to take urgent steps to educate and sensitize its personnel on the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure. The repeated occurrence of such incidents suggests a systemic issue that must be addressed with the utmost urgency”.
Adelabu said the power ministry remains committed to working with all stakeholders to safeguard power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to all Nigerians.
The Minister said though he recognises the sensitive role of the military in safeguarding the country and protecting its assets, the military should see the power sector as a partner in progress and not its enemy.
“We appeal to all Nigerians, including members of the armed forces, to recognize the importance of protecting our power infrastructure. These facilities are vital to our collective prosperity, and their destruction harms us all”.
Bolaji Tunji
Special Adviser, Strategic Communications to Minister of Power
Nigerian Army Response
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTORS' ALLEGATIONS AGAINST SOLDIERS OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY
The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to the alleged invasion of the EKO Electricity Distribution Company's (EKEDC) substation in Badagry by soldiers of the Nigerian Army. The allegation was made during an interview conducted by Arise Television with the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributors on 18 March 2025. The report failed to present the true picture of what transpired and therefore portends an attempt to mislead the public.
In the interest of Nigerian citizens that the NA is committed to protecting, it is imperative to clarify some issues and put the records straight.
The Badagry community where Topo Barracks is located has been grappling with power outage for over one month, despite this challenge, the community in Badagry, including the barrack community, have been managing with the situation in the face of repeated reassurances by the EKEDC.
Eventually, the power supply was restored in the early hours of 14 March 2025, at about 12:30 AM. However, following the restoration, a power surge occurred, triggering a fire incident in the barracks at a facility managed by EKEDC. This caused serious panic in the barracks, and in response, the soldiers on duty immediately coordinated efforts with EKEDC personnel to contain the situation. The company’s technical staff were granted access to the barracks at about 1:00 AM to rectify the fault, and they departed around 2:30 AM after successfully addressing the issue.
It is crucial to emphasize that while a misunderstanding occurred between a soldier and an EKEDC staff member during the process, it was swiftly and amicably resolved on the spot. This incident occurred in the Barracks and not in EKEDC premises. At no time was EKEDC substation company in Badagry invaded by any soldier, and neither was any staff of the company abducted or detained in the barracks.
Furthermore, the Commanding Officer of the unit has maintained a longstanding relationship with EKEDC’s leadership in Badagry, which remains unchanged. To ensure transparency and ascertain the precise cause of the fire outbreak, the Commanding Officer immediately constituted a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.
It was also observed that during the interview with Arise TV, the footage repeatedly aired by the station was entirely of a different incident, and the troops in the visual footage were not personnel of the NA. This has created a misleading narrative that suggests a hostile standoff between the NA and EKEDC.
As a responsible and reputable national institution, guided by extant statutory provisions of the constitution, the Nigerian Army takes human rights violations seriously and will not condone any form of misconduct against law abiding citizens going about their legitimate duties. The Nigerian Army also makes it a point of duty to ensure cordial relationships with its host communities and stakeholders.
*OLABISI OLALEKAN AYENI*
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations
81 Division, Nigerian Army
